NIMC PROMISES TO ADDRESS POOR STAFFING AND EQUIPMENT AFFECTING NATIONAL IDENTITY CARD REGISTRATION
Reporter : UZOMA NWANKWO
Residents of Abia State have been urged to approach any National Identity Management Commission’s (NIMC) centres nearest to them across the state to register and obtain their National Identification Number.
The State Coordinator, National Identity Management Commission in Abia State, Mr. Loveday Ogbonna, made the call while interacting with Radio Nigeria on the on-going registration in Umuahia.
Mr. Ogbonna said its centres across the state and the Commission’s office in Umuahia had witnessed influx of people following the directives issued by the Federal Government regarding linking National Identity Number with SIM cards and advised residents to avail themselves of the opportunity and get enrolled.
He noted that the Commission was experiencing challenges in personnel and equipment capacity as well as poor funding, noting that all its offices across the country were temporarily shutdown following protests by union members as a result of the challenges and assured that it would be resolved.
On the issue of alleged financial inducement characterized with the process, Mr. Ogbonna explained that management was aware of it and that investigations to unravel those behind the act had already commenced and insisted that registration was free.
The State Coordinator noted that those willing to be enrolled could print the forms online through the Commission’s website and submit same at the registration centres.
He pointed out that the agency was collaborating with telecommunication companies to assist in getting people’s information to make the process easier.
A resident of Umuahia, who spoke with Radio Nigeria on the ongoing registration, Dr. Kelechi Uma, expressed dissatisfaction with the process and imagined how two members of staff could be attending to over one thousand people.
Dr. Uma called on the Federal Government, National Identity Management Commission and the Nigeria Communications Commission to develop a better platform to enhance the registration process.